CLAYTON – Roads don’t pave themselves, parks don’t renovate overnight, and stormwater doesn’t manage itself – but Clayton’s Engineering Department is working every day to make sure these things happen.
As the Town celebrates Engineers Week from February 16-22, it is highlighting the people who drive the infrastructure improvements that enhance the community in both big and small ways.
Large-scale capital projects, such as new sidewalks, upgraded parks, and essential water and sewer improvements, are important to Clayton’s long-term success. Project Controls Specialist Shannon Poole is one of the people who helps keep these projects on track, coordinating efforts to provide lasting benefits to residents.
“We prioritize projects based on the impact they’ll have on the community,” said Poole. “Even though much of the work happens behind the scenes, it’s elevating the quality of life for residents and strengthening the Town’s infrastructure.”
Poole said she is especially proud of the work she was able to do with the Clayton Parks and Recreation Bond Project renovations.
“I’ve seen every stage of this bond referendum from concept to construction,” she said. “It’s been rewarding to watch these parks transform into spaces where families can come together and have fun.”
As new neighborhoods and businesses take shape, the Engineering Department works to confirm that both commercial and residential construction projects meet the Town’s engineering standards for safety and sustainability.
Engineering Technician Michael Worner spends his days in the field inspecting construction sites, ensuring compliance with safety and infrastructure standards, coordinating with contractors, and reviewing project engineering plans before projects even break ground.
“One day we’re assessing water lines, and the next we’re focused on stormwater management or road paving.” Worner said. “Our job is to keep everything moving in the right direction while maintaining quality at every step.”
According to Worner, seeing a project through from start to finish is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I’ve worked in construction for 30 years, and it’s always exciting to see a project change over time,” he said. “Even though some projects can take months or years, we work hard to maintain high standards and keep things on track.”
But as Clayton’s landscape changes, so does the responsibility of protecting its natural resources. Managing stormwater runoff from roads, neighborhoods, and construction sites helps keep local waterways clean, a responsibility that Engineering Technician Joshua Cotten focuses on every day.
“Storm drains don’t lead to a treatment plant. They flow straight into our waterways.” Cotten explained. “That means anything on the ground – trash, chemicals, oil – can end up affecting wildlife and vegetation downstream.”
While routine inspections do help prevent sediment and pollutants from washing into the local streams, education is just as important. The department is planning events like stream cleanups and outreach programs to encourage community involvement.
“When people know how their actions affect the environment, they’re more motivated to help,” Cotten said. “That’s how we create lasting change.”
According to Engineering Director Donald Perry, whether it is a major infrastructure improvement, a new commercial project, or efforts to protect local waterways, the department’s work helps shape everyday life in Clayton.
“These efforts may not always be visible, but they are built into the sidewalks we walk on, the roads we drive, and the parks we enjoy,” said Perry. “Behind every improvement is a dedicated team committed to making Clayton stronger, safer, and better for everyone who calls it home.”
Hummmmm for the 20 years in lived inside the Clayton city limits, my neighbor’s and I bought the storm water issues in our neighborhood to the Town Council attention and for 20 years we were told it was someone’s else’s fault. When the real cause of the problem was is that code enforcement was non-existent in the good old boys network. Passing the buck, that’s the way Clayton deals with issues.
So these are the ones responsible for all the traffic and a congestion? Ice.
Just what we need more engineers to tell the real workforce how to do their job, while seating in a office
Engineers only over complicate jobs and take advantage of their so called title
If I see any of these guy with a real tool then you have a good team
Engineers that come from public sector are the worst. I work in private and when these guys come on, it’s too fast past for them. A lot of the directors are older guys and teach the younger guys their ways. So they come on board with a differently mentality. They like to drag sh*t out. Their brains are wired to take up as much of the budget as possible instead of trying to stay under budget. They go back working for city. A high bid or mistake cost us (company) money . In public, it doesn’t hurt their pockets , taxpayers are the ones paying for it.